Advanced Math/pre-calc

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Question
how would you simplify this expression tanx(cscx-cotx)

Answer
Hi Alfonso~
    I usually tell my students to replace each term or factor with equivalent sines and cosines and see where it takes them...
tanx(cscx-cotx)
=(sin x/cos x)[(1/sin x)-(cos x/sin x)]=(sin x/cos x)(1/sin x)-(sin x/cos x)(cos x/sin x)
= 1/cos x -1 = sec x -1

It works!

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Sherry Wallin

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I can answer most questions up through Calculus and some in Number Theory and Abstract Algebra.

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I have had my Bachelor's Degree since 1987 and have been a teacher since 1988. I earned my Masters Degree in Mathematics May 2010. I have been teaching at the same community college since 2002.

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